#IWouldn'tBeHereWithoutEducation by Marita

#IWouldn'tBeHereWithoutEducation by Marita - April 2018 Scholarship Essay

My mother, Mari Angeles, was born in Spain in 1967. She grew up as the only daughter in the family, surrounded by several brothers who were told their education mattered more than hers, as was relevant in that time. When it was the time to go to college, my mother desired a challenge as well as a chance to prove that she was able to withstand a challenging education- she decided to go to college in the United States. She came to study without knowing the language, with about 300 dollars in her pocket, and without any family or connections to reach within the U.S. Since she didn’t have work permit, she would have to make money by teaching flamenco dance classes, babysitting, sewing clothes, cleaning houses, preparing Spanish food, all while studying and learning the language at the same time. She was able to pay for her tuition and room and board, learn English and receive her associate's degree while being in the U.S, only by the challenges of simply working harder than everyone else.
My father, Wilfredo, was born in Peru, and also came to the United States to study, also not knowing the language with little money he was also able to receive his associate's degree as a Latino worker, which was rarer in that era. So, as you can see, I come from a line of hard workers who were able to overcome many challenges, especially being Hispanics in a white-dominant community, and I can assure you that I will do the same and more. I know that receiving this scholarship will not only make my parents work worthwhile but will inspire other Latino, just as I have been inspired by my parents.
Without education, the drive that brought both of my parents to the United States, they wouldn't have met, and I wouldn't be here today, following thier hardworking legacy by going to college next year. #IWouldn'tBeHereWithoutEducation